The SCIFI academic program is a senior level course of study in investment finance. Applications for the program are accepted from students taking Investments (BUS 320) either in the fall or spring semester of junior year. Pre-requisite course requirements include: Financial Accounting (BUS203) and Corporate Finance (BUS320). Students need not be business majors or business minors to apply. Participation in the program provides an advanced forum for learning with an emphasis of putting classroom knowledge into practice. SCIFI enables students to explore in-depth financial topics such as:

Modern Investment Philosophy

Economic and Industry Analysis

Investment Valuation Tools

Portfolio Management Theory and Practice

Alternative Investments

SCIFI Senior Year Coursework

Student participants in SCIFI are committing to coursework for two semesters that involve active management of the Student Run Investment Fund for the entire year:

Applied Research and Portfolio Management (BUS430)

Offered in the fall semester, this course is designed to develop a student's understanding of the investment analysis and portfolio management process. Emphasis is placed on such topics as: industry research, equity analysis, valuation tools, portfolio management fundamentals, derivatives and alternative investments.

Directed Study in Finance (BUS490)

Offered in the spring semester, this course enables individual paths of study in the field of investment finance while permitting continued direct involvement in the Student Run Investment Fund. All students enrolled in BUS490 will be required to meet together on a weekly basis and meet specific academic requirements.

Student Run Investment Fund

Administration of the Student Managed Fund begins with admission into the SCIFI program and is fostered via the senior year coursework as well as seminars and presentations that may take place throughout the year. Students with interest in SCIFI can indirectly participate in the process as early as their junior year through Investments (BUS327). As part of the management process, SCIFI members will be asked to act as mentors to those in BUS327 interested in the program.

CFA University Recognition Program Member

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential sponsored by the CFA Institute has become one of the most highly regarded postgraduate achievements in the field of investment finance. It is a globally recognized, self-study graduate level curriculum that provides a strong foundation of real-world investment analysis and portfolio management skills along with the practical knowledge you need in today's investment industry. It also emphasizes the highest ethical and professional standards.

In 2012, Stonehill College was one of the first undergraduate programs to be recognized by the CFA Institute's University Recognition Program. This new recognition is granted only to institutions whose degree program incorporates at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK), which prepares students to sit for the CFA level one exam. Participants in SCIFI are encouraged to prepare and take the CFA level one exam upon graduation from Stonehill. Passing the first level post-graduation gives our students an important early advantage in their careers.

As a member of the CFA University Recognition Program, Stonehill can offer up to 5 scholarships annually to cover most of the expense associated with undertaking the CFA level one program and examination.

Bloomberg Certification

All Stonehill students, especially those participating in SCIFI, are actively encouraged to achieve Bloomberg Certification. Students participate in Bloomberg University's on-line training program. Stonehill College sponsors this certification so there is no additional charge to our students. Students spend about 6 hours of their own time and can proceed at their own pace. Once students complete the first part of the educational material and are comfortable with the included material, they become eligible to take the first on-line exam. Once passed, students can then complete additional modules in equities, fixed income, commodities and currency. After completing a second exam, students receive a certificate of completion and can then add this important skill to their professional resume.